Prom
Backed by
President Biden pardoned turkeys for the final time during his presidency, using the light-hearted event as an opportunity to express gratitude to the nation for allowing him to serve. Politics were put aside during the ceremony.
document containing a
President Biden pardoned two turkeys in the White House ceremony as part of a tradition, expressing gratitude for his time as commander in chief. He mentioned that in the past four years, he had pardoned other turkeys, and this year’s turkeys, Peach and Blossom, were being pardoned based on their behavior and dedication to society. Biden also noted that this event marks the beginning of the holiday season in Washington and that it was his last time speaking as president during this season, expressing thanks and gratitude to the audience. He ended by saying it had been the greatest honor of his life and that he was thankful.
Authored by Zach Montague
Reporting live from the
On Monday, President Biden spent eight minutes pardoning two Thanksgiving turkeys. He mentioned the long-standing tradition that has been going on for 77 years and took a moment to express gratitude for the country.
The short speech, with only a few jokes and funny comments, honored Peach and Blossom, two large birds weighing over 40 pounds each, named after Delaware’s peach blossoms, which are the official flower of President Biden’s home state.
The president stood next to Peach, whose loud gobbling was captured on the microphone, often interrupting Mr. Biden’s speech and causing laughter among those present.
"The president mentioned that Peach is making a final request at this moment," was stated.
Mr. Biden shared with the audience on the South Lawn of the White House his belief in staying calm and enjoying Thanksgiving, as he listed off the names of the turkeys he pardoned during his time in office, all while wearing his characteristic aviator sunglasses.
The president shifted to a more solemn tone to recognize the bittersweet truth that the holiday season signaled the conclusion of his presidency, and potentially the conclusion of his long career in public service spanning over five decades.
"This will be the last time I speak here as your president during this time, and express my thanks and appreciation," stated Mr. Biden. "I want to tell you that serving as president has been the greatest honor of my life. I am thankful forever."
On Monday, the president and the first lady had planned to continue a tradition by serving food at a holiday celebration with friends. This year, they were with members of the Coast Guard and their families on Staten Island. During this event, President Biden took a moment to honor those who have lost loved ones, including his son Beau who passed away from brain cancer in 2015.
He suggested that we take a break from our hectic schedules and prioritize spending time with our loved ones.
Before taking photos with Peach, President-elect Donald J. Trump hinted at major changes to the usual customs and traditions in the nation’s capital during his upcoming inauguration in two months. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the event, he left those in attendance with a straightforward and non-political message.
He expressed the idea that in America, people never lose hope and always persevere no matter what challenges they face.
Zach Montague is a journalist for The Times who reports on the U.S. Department of Education, the White House, and federal courts. To learn more about Zach Montague, click here.
Prom
Index of the website
Navigation for site information.